In a moment from Season 3 of “Alone Australia,” Ceilidh, a young woman who is deaf, gazes up at a bird perched on a high tree branch and identifies it as a white-bellied sea eagle. She shares that her father had a tattoo of this bird, describing him as her greatest supporter, who sadly passed away from leukemia during her teenage years.
After a reflective silence, she expresses, “It’s like my dad is watching over me.” This poignant scene encapsulates the emotional core of the series, where 10 survivalists vie for a significant cash prize by striving to be the last person remaining in a harsh wilderness environment.
Tom, another contestant, comments upon arriving in Western Tasmania, “It’s cold, it’s rugged, it’s unforgiving. All 10 of us are slightly insane.”
Courtesy of SBS
Originally launched in the U.S. a decade ago on what is now the History channel, the series is currently in its 12th season. The A+E Global Media format has expanded to 10 different countries, while in Australia, it airs on SBS, with a fourth season in production taking place in the Arctic. It holds the title of being the most viewed SBS-commissioned series in the channel’s history.
Joseph Maxwell, head of unscripted at SBS, views the show as a documentary interweaving 10 distinct narratives. The unique aspect of contestants capturing their own footage lends it a “raw, unfiltered feel,” asserting, “They control the narrative, determining what to say, when to share it, and how to film their experiences. It’s completely unscripted and ungoverned.”
The program includes moments that some might find unappealing, like when Shay, a professional trapper, consumes worms, but Maxwell believes these moments add authenticity. “If someone is consuming something unpleasant, it’s not gratuitous; it reflects their current challenges. Occasionally, you might even hear someone retch. We strive to remain true to the experience as much as possible.”
Courtesy of SBS
The series doesn’t shy away from colorful language. “We let contestants express themselves as they authentically would. The camera acts like a confidant, akin to ‘Wilson’ in the Tom Hanks film ‘Cast Away,’ to whom they can talk and confess,” Maxwell comments.
This autonomy regarding camera work enhances intimacy, allowing viewers to connect more personally, which also influences the casting process. “We specifically seek individuals willing to share their stories, encouraging them to express themselves in their own manner, whenever they feel ready,” Maxwell notes.
However, this hands-off approach presents challenges for the producers and the broadcasting company, ITV Studios Australia. “In typical reality shows, you have numerous controls; you can send in producers, directors, ask questions, and conduct retakes. But here, we have no oversight. It’s entirely uncut and unrefined, creating a unique and daunting experience for both us and the producers,” he explains.
Beth Hart, chief content officer at ITV Studios Australia, agrees. “As a producer with extensive experience, it’s unusual for me to cast roles, prepare them, and then completely step back. It’s a true test of trust and a significant relinquishing of control.” She admits, “It is one of the most anxiety-inducing experiences I’ve encountered as a producer.”
The real dangers posed by the wilderness are genuine and not artificially amplified by producers, Hart emphasizes. Yet, the tension might be heightened in post-production, although initially, they have no way of knowing what to expect once they receive the footage.
“We can never predict where the tension will come from. We are unaware of sudden weather changes or when someone might get hurt. Often, we only discover the potential for thrilling moments upon reviewing the footage in editing, contemplating, ‘This could make a perfect climactic moment for the episode.’”
Hart acknowledges the competitive nature of the show—offering a “life-altering” prize of A$250,000 (approximately $164,000)—but insists it is more profound than merely winning. “For most participants, it’s about the personal journey. While some value the money more than others, fundamentally, they want to prove to themselves that they can endure. This authentic purpose permeates the series. The uncertainty regarding how many competitors remain creates a psychological strain for them, hence they truly compete against themselves rather than against each other.”
Ninder Billing, VP of unscripted international co-productions and formats at A+E Global Media, reinforces this sentiment, stating, “There’s no conflict among participants; the real struggle lies within each individual, creating a distinct experience for the audience. This variance offers a more enriching and engaging connection with the series.”
The wildlife in Tasmania also plays a significant role beyond being mere sustenance. Not only are there iconic Tasmanian devils, but also the frequently overlooked quoll, a charming carnivorous marsupial. Hart recounts, “One inquisitive quoll frequently visited one contestant, was eventually christened by her, and shared her bed, stealing bits of her jerky. It had a distinct personality and became integral to the story.” She adds, “We have returning birds that enrich the narrative, and of course, there are instances of hunting, leading to entirely different story arcs.”
The beautiful yet wild landscape mirrors the participants’ personal challenges, according to Billing. “The stunning, unrefined terrain aligns perfectly with the intense and transformative journeys of the contestants.”
Ten years post-launch, the show remains unparalleled in the realm of reality television, according to Patrick Vien, group managing director of international at A+E Global Media. “It’s truly one-of-a-kind. Although there are other adventure competitions, this program uniquely combines the authenticity of a documentary perspective within a competitive framework, creating an undeniable sense of reality.”
“Watching ‘Alone’ gives you the sensation of being present in that solitude. There’s a profound emotional reaction to that isolation. The contestants film themselves without any crew nearby, enhancing the vicarious experience delivered by the show.”
